In & around the SEC

Auburn defeated Arkansas, 35-17, last Saturday behind a dominant performance from running back Tre Mason. Mason carried the ball 32 times for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Nick Marshall threw the ball only eight times but completed seven of those attempts for 118 yards and a touchdown to Sammie Coates. The Tigers out-gained the Razorbacks only by 20 yards and the Hogs had the ball for nearly 10 minutes longer, but the Auburn defense forced three Arkansas turnovers. Auburn improved to 8-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play. The Tigers travel to Knoxville to take on Tennessee on Saturday (Oct. 5).

SEC Rankings

1. Alabama (8-0, 5-0)

2. Auburn (8-1, 4-1)

3. Missouri (8-1, 4-1)

4. South Carolina (7-2, 5-2)

5. LSU (7-2, 3-2)

6. Texas A&M (7-2, 3-2)

7. Georgia (5-3, 4-2)

8. Ole Miss (5-3, 2-3)

9. Florida (4-4, 3-3)

10. Vanderbilt (4-4, 1-4)

11. Mississippi State (4-4, 1-3)

12. Tennessee (4-5, 1-4)

13. Arkansas (3-6, 0-5)

14. Kentucky (2-6, 0-4)

Week 11 Previews and Predictions

(Week 10: 6-0; Season: 71-12)

Game of the Week

LSU at Alabama (-12.5). The winner of this game has won the SEC West in five out of the past six seasons. Alabama is the top ranked team in the nation, and although LSU has lost twice, the Tigers still have one of the most talented teams in college football. LSU’s offense has been among the best in the conference this season, led by quarterback Zach Mettenberger and receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. The Tiger defense is very young, however, and that unit has been susceptible to big plays all year. Alabama receiver Amari Cooper finally looks healthy and should have a big game against an inexperienced LSU secondary. The Crimson Tide also should have success in the running game with T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake. Prediction: Alabama 41, LSU 20.

Auburn at Tennessee (+7.5). Auburn is one of the hottest teams in the country right now, and the Tigers are ranked in the top 10 for the first time since they won the BCS national championship in 2010. However, the Tigers are traveling to Knoxville to take on a Tennessee team that has played very well at home under new coach Butch Jones. The Volunteers knocked off South Carolina earlier in the season and were one play away from beating Georgia in overtime. Auburn will depend on its running game again this week, and Tre Mason should have another big day against a struggling Tennessee defense. Prediction: Auburn 31, Tennessee 20.

Vanderbilt at Florida (-10). The Gators have been plagued by injuries all season, and Will Muschamp’s team is now in jeopardy of missing out on a bowl game. Florida still has games against South Carolina and Florida State left on the schedule, so this is a must-win game for the Gators. Prediction: Florida 20, Vanderbilt 16.

Missouri at Kentucky (+14). The Tigers are still in position to win the SEC East but cannot afford ano-ther conference loss. Kentucky defeated Alabama State last week, but the Wildcats are still winless in the SEC. Prediction: Missouri 40, Kentucky 13.

Arkansas at Ole Miss (-17). The Razorbacks are reeling and are going up against an Ole Miss team that had a week to prepare for them. With a win, the Rebels would become bowl eligible for the second straight season. Arkansas has had trouble defending teams that run a spread offense, and Ole Miss should be able to score at will against the Hogs. Prediction: Ole Miss 41, Arkansas 17.

Appalachian State at Georgia (-31.5). Quarterback Aaron Murray led the Bulldogs to their third straight win over Florida last weekend. The Bulldogs have battled injury problems all season, but star running back Todd Gurley returned against the Gators and provided a much-needed boost to the offense. Georgia still needs help to win the SEC East but has a chance if the Bulldogs can knock off Auburn next week. Prediction: Georgia 52, Appalachian State 24.

Mississippi State at Texas A&M (-19). Texas A&M’s offense continues to be unstoppable, and the tandem of Johnny Manziel and Mike Evans has wreaked havoc on opposing defenses. Mississippi State still has a chance to make a bowl game but needs to pull off an upset at some point this month. Prediction: Texas A&M 48, Mississippi State 31.